Don’s Family History of Breast Cancer: Taking Responsibility

Summary

This video follows a personal journey of dealing with hereditary breast cancer risk, beginning with a mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis in 1986. The story highlights the genetic implications of the BRCA2 mutation, affecting multiple family members. The speaker, a neurosurgeon, shares his experience with genetic testing and his decision to undergo a mastectomy after learning of his BRCA2 positive status. The video stresses the importance of genetic testing, particularly for men, and encourages others with family histories of cancer to take proactive steps in understanding their own risks to protect future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's journey with hereditary cancer began in 1986 when their mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• 😀 Both the speaker's uncle and grandfather were diagnosed with breast cancer, which was rare and unexpected for men at the time.
• 😀 Prior to the speaker's experience, there was little awareness about hereditary cancer or the BRCA gene.
• 😀 The speaker’s mother was tested and found to be BRCA2 mutation positive, which led to the testing of other family members.
• 😀 The speaker, a neurosurgeon, initially delayed getting tested but eventually did so in 2016 and tested positive for BRCA2.
• 😀 Once the speaker learned they were BRCA2 positive, they chose to have a mastectomy as a preventative measure.
• 😀 The decision to undergo a mastectomy was based on the understanding of medical risks and the family history of breast cancer.
• 😀 Male breast cancer is often overlooked because it is seen as a female disease, leading to late diagnoses and worse outcomes for men.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of genetic testing for everyone with a family history of cancer, especially BRCA mutations.
• 😀 Having the BRCA gene mutation can affect multiple generations, so individuals with this mutation have a responsibility to get tested and spread awareness.

Q & A

What was the initial health scare in the speaker's family in 1986?

In 1986, the speaker's mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which was a shock to everyone in the family.

How did the speaker's family history influence their understanding of cancer?

The speaker's family experienced multiple cases of cancer, including the mother, uncle, and grandfather, who all had breast cancer. This raised awareness about the potential hereditary nature of cancer, but at the time, no one was aware of the BRCA gene and its role in hereditary cancer.

What is the BRCA2 mutation, and how did it affect the speaker's family?

The BRCA2 mutation is a genetic mutation that increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. After the speaker's mother tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, other family members, including the uncle, sister, and eventually the speaker himself, also tested positive for it.

Why did the speaker initially delay getting tested for the BRCA2 mutation?

As a male and a medical professional, the speaker initially postponed getting tested, likely due to not wanting to face the potential outcome, as well as the assumption that it wasn't urgent.

What led the speaker to finally get tested for the BRCA2 mutation in 2016?

The speaker eventually decided to get tested in 2016 after understanding the significance of the BRCA2 mutation and the potential health risks it posed, as well as his professional responsibility as a neurosurgeon.

How did the speaker approach his health after testing positive for the BRCA2 mutation?

Upon testing positive for the BRCA2 mutation, the speaker immediately sought the advice of a breast surgeon and opted for a mastectomy, recognizing the importance of proactive measures in managing the risks.

What challenges did the speaker face as a male considering a mastectomy?

As a male, the idea of a mastectomy was seen as unusual, and some people may have been surprised by his decision. However, the speaker, being in the medical field, understood the risk-benefit analysis and made the choice based on his family history and medical knowledge.

Why is male breast cancer considered a difficult problem?

Male breast cancer is often overlooked, as many people mistakenly believe it is a female-only disease. As a result, men often delay seeking medical attention, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

What message does the speaker want to convey about hereditary breast cancer?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of genetic testing for anyone with a family history of breast cancer, especially because the BRCA mutation can affect multiple generations, including both male and female family members.

How does the speaker view his responsibility regarding hereditary cancer awareness?

The speaker feels a deep responsibility to raise awareness about hereditary cancer, particularly the BRCA mutation, to ensure that future generations are tested and informed about the risks of developing cancer.